The New Year is a band featuring Matt and Bubba Kadane, former leaders of the highly praised band Bedhead. In 1998, the Kadanes pulled the plug and let Bedhead die a quiet and respectful death. Depressed by inactivity, they relatively quickly enlisted some old friends and, with the songs theyâd written for the next Bedhead record, headed into the studio.

The result of that session was Newness Ends, a record that continued their evolution as songwriters. The delicate and intricate guitar work still played an integral part on this record, but these songs were more concise, more experimental rhythmically, and deliberately more immediate.

In May of 2004 The New Year returned with The End Is Near. The band continued to advance in songwriting, performance, and production. Songs build to false climaxes and take left turns when rights were expected. The band performed with precision and intensity. The sound is thick and ominous.